- Bayern Munich top the Bundesliga table with 82 points from 31 games.
- FC Heidenheim sit 18th with 22 points from as many games.
- Bayern have won four of the last five head-to-heads, with Heidenheim picking up one win and no draws.
Bayern can overwhelm stubborn Heidenheim
The 60-point gap in the Bundesliga between FC Bayern Munich in first and FC Heidenheim 1846 in 18th should tell the whole story of the gulf in class between these clubs ahead of their match at Allianz Arena on Saturday.
However, the fact that Bayern have won just four of the five previous head-to-head clashes and the visitors are in decent form (W2, D2, L1) means there are potential pitfalls for the home side.
Kompany’s playing style
Bayern boss Vincent Kompany has imbued his team with an aggressive, possession-based playing style where taking risks is an integral part of the plan and players switch positions with the fluidity of a game of musical chairs.
Harry Kane is the lethal finisher on top of his game, with 33 goals in 28 Bundesliga appearances, while Jamal Musiala provides the spark of creativity that can unlock even the most stubborn defences with his close control and vision.
The visitors will have to cope with Bayern’s constant pressure to push the ball out wide, over the top or through the middle with some clever passing or dribbling moves.
Heidenheim have a disciplined, pragmatic approach to playing against any opponent - which has been honed by the long-serving Frank Schmidt over the last few years - that involves man-marking, flexible defensive shapes and quick, vertical counters to catch the opposition off guard.
The fact that they have struggled this season suggests this is not an ideal season for them, but they will certainly be up for the challenge.
Heidenheim’s style could suit a high-scoring match
Jan-Niklas Beste is Heidenheim’s creative force in midfield, capable of whipping in dangerous crosses or threading through balls to the forwards.
In contrast to Bayern’s false nine of Kane, Heidenheim have a classic number nine in Stefan Schimmer, who leads the line for his team. He has five Bundesliga goals in 24 appearances, but he also helps out by leading the counters and pushing forward from deep.
Heidenheim have not won either of their last two away games, but this fixture could be a game of end-to-end action as Bayern’s style clashes with Heidenheim’s compact, counter-focused style.
The home team should prove too strong for them in the end, but the odds are low enough to take the Bayern win at 23/100 with both teams to score - Yes at 61/100 and Over 2.5 goals at 19/100 as the main selections.
